Subject: Music
Topic: Singing Games
Subtopic: Etiquette in Singing Games
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What is etiquette?

Etiquette means good manners. In singing games we use good manners so everyone has fun and stays safe. We sing, clap and play together kindly.

Specific Learning Outcomes (What learners will do)
  • Follow simple rules of a singing game (stand in a circle, take turns, listen to the leader).
  • Show polite behaviour: greet friends, say "please" and "thank you", and clap for others.
  • Sing at a safe volume and keep a safe space while moving (no pushing or running).
  • Take turns to lead a song and include everyone, even those who are shy or have different abilities.
  • Name one Kenyan song or greeting to use in a singing game (e.g., "Jambo Bwana" or a simple Swahili greeting).
Simple Rules for Singing Games (Remember these!)
  1. Listen: Look at the leader and listen to the words. 😊
  2. Take turns: Wait for your turn to sing or lead. Do not shout over others.
  3. Be gentle: No pushing or rough play. Keep hands to yourself. βœ‹
  4. Use kind words: Say "good job" or clap when someone sings well. πŸ‘
  5. Sing softly when asked: If the teacher says "soft voice", make your voice small like a whisper.
  6. Include everyone: Ask shy friends to join gently β€” do not make fun of anyone.
  7. Keep clean: Cover your mouth if you cough and wash hands before using shared shakers.
Suggested Learning Experiences (Activities for Class)
  • Warm-up: Call-and-response clapping (teacher claps a short rhythm, children copy). Practice listening and following.
  • Circle Song Game: Form a circle. Use a simple Swahili greeting song like "Jambo Bwana" or a short chorus in English. Practice taking turns to be leader.
  • Role-play: Two groups show "good" and "not-so-good" manners in singing games. Discuss which is better and why.
  • Quiet Game: Sing softly vs. loudly. Teacher points up for loud and down for soft. Children practise controlling volume.
  • Inclusive Leader: Each child leads one short part of a song (name the leader before they start). This builds confidence and fairness.
  • Use simple instruments: Share shakers or small drums. Teach children to pass instruments gently and one at a time.
  • Safety check: Show correct spacing (arm's length) so dancers do not bump. Practice getting into the safe space quickly.
Materials
  • Shakers, small drums, scarves
  • Open play area (classroom cleared or school playground)
  • Song words on a big chart (Swahili / English)
Safety & Health
  • Keep space between children (one arm's length).
  • No running during circle games; walk when moving places.
  • Share instruments with clean hands; teacher wipes instruments between groups.
  • Teacher to watch for tired or upset children and give rests.
Assessment (How to check learning)
  • Teacher observes: thumbs up / thumbs down for good manners.
  • Simple checklist: listened, waited, used kind words, kept safe space.
  • Children can say one rule they learned (in class or at home).
Teacher Tips
  • Model good manners: greet, clap, and thank learners in front of class.
  • Use simple Swahili phrases often: "Tafadhali" (please), "Asante" (thank you), "Jambo" (hello).
  • Rotate leaders quickly so every child has a turn each week.
  • Make rules visible on a poster with pictures (listen, take turns, be gentle).
Home Extension for Parents

Sing a short Kenyan greeting song at home. Ask your child to show you the rules: listening, taking turns and saying "Asante" when someone sings.

Have fun and be kind when you sing! 🎢😊

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